This weekly series presents the 10 best players in each division. This week we start with the AFC East. The New England Patriots may have dominated this division for a long time but they don’t have the most players on this list. If there’s ever a chance of someone bumping them, it will be because of the other players below.
1. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
His 102.2 QB rating last year was 4th best of his entire career. Forget about age, he’s performing as well as ever.
2. Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots
Brady’s numbers returning to form the last two years coincide with full seasons of health from Gronk. No surprise there.
3. Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets
He might be 32 but he just arguably had the best year of his decorated career. He had the 2nd most catches, 2nd most yards and most touchdowns in a season last year. He’s still a dominant receiver despite not benefiting from an elite quarterback.
4. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets
He seems to be talked about a little less but he’s still extremely productive. He quietly had 5 interceptions last year, tied for second most in his career for a season.
5. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Miami Dolphins
Still one of the most dominating interior presences the league has seen. Ever.
6. Reshad Jones, SS, Miami Dolphins
He might not be a household name yet but he’s only getting better. He’s a very well rounded player that’s all over the field, a terrific playmaker (5 interceptions) and a tackling machine (135 total).
7. Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets
An extremely impressive 64 tackle, 12 sack season earned him a franchise tag.
8. Sheldon Richardson, DT, New York Jets
He was so good his first two years there was almost nowhere to go but down. He should bounce back this season, though.
9. Devin McCourty, FS, New England Patriots
He had 14 interceptions in his first 3 seasons and just 4 in his last three. Teams are terrified to throw his way with good reason. Still, the diminished production makes you wonder if he’s still a top 10 player in his division.
10. LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills
There’s a number of players that had a very strong case for belonging here (Mario Williams, Jarvis Landry, Nick Mangold and Cameron Wake to name a few), but McCoy deserves a pass for a disappointing first year that included an injury. When healthy there is no question he is one of the league’s best backs.
